A Night of Ballads and Hit Tracks: Serbian Stars Conquer Sofia
Two and a Half Hour Set Each
The Serbian powerhouse duo, Zelko Joksimovic and Dino Merlin, brought the “Arena 8888 Sofia” alive last night with a four-hour concert that thrilled their Bulgarian audience. Astonishing everyone, the night unfolded as a double-header, with each artist offering a two-and-a-half-hour set back-to-back.
Zelko Joksimovic: Where Ballads Rule
Zelko Joksimovic took the stage first captivating the crowd with a poignant rendition of “Ljubavi”. Next came the equally emotive “Libero“. His soulful delivery solidified the fact that ballads are truly in his blood, much to the delight of his longtime fans.
“Let’s make it a bit disco”, Joksimovic boomed midway through his set, injecting a burst of energy into the night. He showcased his versatility, belting out his own upbeat tracks accompanied by dynamic multimedia displays. Although Joksimovic relied less on extravagant stage visuals, his powerful presence commanded the stage.
“Whoever has hits and a voice doesn’t need effects,” commented fans, fully immersed in the legendary singer’s mesmerizing performance.
Before moving on, Joksimovic took a moment to connect with the audience, sending greetings to everyone including friends he made years ago during a concert in Bansko. He even gave a special shout-out to his friends who had the best seats in the house, located close to the stage.
Dino Merlin: A Visual Spectacle
Dino Merlin stepped onto the stage, his 62 years a testament to a career overflowing with talent and timeless hits. His performance was a visual feast, embracing the power of movement on stage. Lasers, multimedia projections, confetti, and even LED lights manifested a dizzying array of sights and sounds.
Complementing the dazzling visuals was Merlin’s iconic sound, bathing the “Arena 8888 Sofia” in a fresh wave of hits.
Reaching out to those closest to the stage, he effortlessly bridged the gap between artist and audience.
“I love it when we sing together. 35 years ago, I was in Bulgaria,” he shared, igniting a wave of nostalgic energy within the hall.
The first part of Merlin’s set was a rhythmic ride, but he shifted gears effortlessly, seamlessly transitioning to his most beloved ballads. Tracks such as “Jorgovani”, “Sve je Laz”, “Moj je zivot Svicarska” and “Kriva Karte” echoed through the venue, stirring emotions and intensifying the belief that Merlin had mastered truly unforgettable emotional landscapes in his music.
The last notes finalized the phenomenal night. Balloons descended from the ceiling, showering fortunate audience members with a tangible memory of the evening.
Many still lingered well past midnight, moved by the captivating performances. They left with a renewed appreciation for musical narratives woven by two distinct but dolmen masterful voices.
What are some of Željko Joksimović’s most popular songs according to the interview?
## Interview with Music Journalist Ivan Petrov
**Interviewer:** Ivan, you were at last night’s incredible concert in Sofia. Tell us about the energy in the arena!
**Ivan Petrov:** It was electric! The crowd was buzzing with anticipation from the moment the doors opened, and that excitement stayed high for the whole four hours. Having two iconic artists like Željko Joksimović and Dino Merlin sharing the stage for a double-header was simply groundbreaking.
**Interviewer:** Zeljko Joksimović took the stage first. What were the highlights of his set?
**Ivan Petrov:** Joksimović was at his best, delivering a powerful performance that showcased his incredible vocal range. He started with two heart-wrenching ballads, “Ljubavi” and “Libero,” which had the entire audience captivated. He then shifted gears, injecting some high-energy disco vibes into the show. Joksimović proved he’s not just a ballad singer. He clearly connects with his audience on a deep level and knows how to put on an unforgettable show.
**Interviewer:** What were the fans saying about his performance?
**Ivan Petrov:** Overwhelmingly positive! Many commented on how his powerful voice and stage presence need no elaborate effects. They sighed, saying, “Whoever has hits and a voice doesn’t need effects!”.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like it was a magical night for the fans.
**Ivan Petrov:** It absolutely was. Joksimović even took the time to connect with the audience on a personal level, greeting old friends and acknowledging those with the best seats. It showed a genuine connection and appreciation for his fans in Sofia. [[1](https://trud.bg/)].
